Ellesmere Port Running Club Has Two Cheshire County Medallists
Chester Spring Cheshire 5 Mile Championships 8th April
Hosting the 5 Mile Cheshire Road Racing Championships, Chester played host to over 400 runners vying for one of the prestigious county medals. As per usual, this race was blessed with sun and a breeze to cool the racers. With a very undulating course, it's perfect for speed and endurance as the first two miles are notoriously fast with the "deadly" third mile bringing everyone back down to earth with a bump. To become the Cheshire Champion, the runner has to be either born in Cheshire or resident here for at least 9 months without running for another county in that time.
There are Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in all categories' SM, SL, V40, V45, V50, V55, V60 and V65.
Looking good for getting back to his best, it was a pleasure to see Steve Crowe running right up at the business end once again after his last year of injury woes. Steve went through the first mile in under 5 minutes and went on to finish 5th overall in 27:28 (5:29 m/m).
Dying a death in the last 2 mile was Mark Dodd who was trying to break his current PB of 28:06, done on the same course in 2007. Going out fast and hoping to stay on Steve's coat tales (and not succeeding) Mark perished on the 3rd mile, but hung on in to claim 14th position and a much deserved county bronze medal in 28:21 (5:40 m/m).
The fast returning to her best, Nicky Bird, was pushing on to make sure she was crowned ladies 5 mile county champion, and that she did in style. Crossing the line in 30:06 (6:01 m/m), she dominated the race from start to finish and fully deserves her gold medal and first lady home overall.
Only one Ellesmere Port Runner made the short trip to the ever popular and ever fast Salford 10k race in Manchester. Boasting a huge field, this Easter Friday race is growing every year.
Jason Bennett was that sole representative and after warming up was confident of a quick time. However, after only 10 metres, a hamstring pull put all fast times on hold, and instead of dropping out, Jason soldiered on to still post an impressive 41:56 (6:45 m/m).
The men's race was the usual speed fest with the first 7 men all under 32 minutes. However, at the top of that list and finishing 1st in 31:13 (5:01 m/m) was Newham & Essex Beagles Ian Grime. The 1st lady home was Pauline Powell from Blackburn Harriers finishing in a stunning 34:57 (5:36 m/m)
Air Products Cheshire 10k Championships 12th April
With the Cheshire Road 10k Championships at stake, three Ellesmere Ports Runners made the 70 mile round journey to Crewe for the new super quick Air Products 10k. On a new profiled course, 2 laps of a rolling/undulating course in beautiful sunshine beckoned and with a nice cooling breeze, the scene was set.
Going for her second county gold medal in 5 days was Nicky Bird. With even stiffer competition than she faced in Chester, the stakes were high and Nicky put in one of her finest races of the last 3 years to finish 1st lady in 37:44 (6:04 m/m) for 42nd position overall and county gold medallist.
In the men's race, it was up to Mark Dodd and Dave Nalder to do the club proud, and that they did. Mark was attempting to break 35 minutes for the first time, he paced himself well going through the first 5k in 17:25, however faded in the 2nd half of the race slightly to come home in 35:44 (5:43 m/m) and 21st position.
Dave Nalder paced his race to perfection with one of his quicker 10k's finishing 80th in 40:48 (6:33 m/m) and is looking good for London Marathon in 10 days time. With the combination of speed and endurance, Dave will be going for sub 3:30 this year without a doubt.
The race winner and newly crowned county men's 10k champion was Martin Lewis of Poole Runners in 32:34 (5:14 m/m).
